Book Review: The Cabin at The End of The World by Paul Tremblay

Cabin at The End of The World by Paul Tremblay

Hardcover, 272 pages

Published June 26th 2018 by William Morrow

When Donald Trump won the election I went to work the next day in a state of disbelief as many of us in California did. It was hard to grasp how the rest of the country saw such a different human being asking for the most powerful job in the world. It was a really interesting time in our country. The system is designed by the framers to focus on two main political parties and the two sides in America rarely see the world the same way.

Written just after the election Cabin at the End of the World is horror novel that builds scares in part from that disconnect. Comedy is often built on a foundation of set-up and punch-line. Effective horror novels are built on a foundation of tension, suspense and placing the reader in fear for the characters. The set-up of CATEOW is genius because it not only sets up those elements but explores the themes that plague our nation every time we watch the news.

Sound like hyperbole? I was worried about that. You see my first experience with Tremblay was his break-out hit "A Head Full of Ghosts." I really liked HFOG, but when I read it, but I had heard so much hype it was almost impossible for the book to live up to my expectations. So I am nervous to do the same thing to you reading this review. The problem is Cabin at the End of The World is that good. I don't use the word masterpiece lightly and I have to use here.

The story opens with seven year-old Wen. She is outside her Dad's vacation cabin in New England near the Canadian border. This first chapter is an amazing hook when a stranger walks out of the woods and starts a conversation with the young adopted daughter. This conversation is nerve wracking to read and it perfectly sets the table with all the ingredients for the perfect horror novel. It ended up unfolding a little differently than I expected.

This novel worked on every level for me but I will say I was happy I went into it cold. I didn't know anything about the story so I hope I have sold well enough to go buy/read this novel. Still need to hear more....

This novel is Tremblay's attempt to tackle a horror sub-genre he is not a big fan of. The home invasion story. This one may or may not include a supernatural elements. As the invaders claim that they are here to prevent the end of the world. They didn't know each other but came together because of shared visions. They believe the only way to prevent their visions from coming true if Eric, Andrew or their daughter Wen choose to sacrifice a member of their family.

Is it real? are they crazy? This novel contains tons of gut wrenching suspense, the pages turn quickly and all he while Tremblay tells a story that explores belief and perception. Those questions are asked as a family goes through a brutal terror and thus it makes the novel a harrowing experience.

No horror novel works if you can't put yourself in the shoes of the characters. Eric, Wen and Andrew are a beautiful family. PT writes this family with care, love and attention to detail. It never feels unnatural, gimmicky or exploitative that the leads are a gay couple. They just are great parents, and thus they are the heart of the novel. Certainly in the days after the election when Pence is a heart beat from the presidency and the right-wing controlled all branches of government it was not a stretch to view the LBGT community under assault. It is just another level this novel works on.

Anyone who thinks of this novel as a simple horror are missing the point. This is a multi-layered novel that packs massive amounts of entertainment and meaning into a book that is less than 300 pages. Eight months into the year it is easily my read of the year so far.